The future of the LPPL Fonthill Branch

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The Fonthill BrancImage of the library in fallh was originally opened in the 1980s and has continued to expand services to meet the growing needs of the community. Since the branch's opening, there have been limited upgrades to the building. There are three areas of improvement that have been highlighted that would enable the branch to continue to offer services for the residents of the area into the future.

There are three updates that the library would like to undertake to meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA standards) and ensure the library is accessible for staff and all community members. AODA standards must be met by 2025, as set out by the Province of Ontario.

The requested improvements include the following:

  1. Accessible public access to the lower level of the library
    • As library collections and services expanded, the lower level has been used only by limited staff and for storage
    • The lower level is currently only accessed by stairs and has no windows, variable heating or restroom
    • Space in the lower level could be repurposed to allow more program and meeting space
    • Additional dedicated staff areas on the lower level would expand public access spaces on the main level
  2. Accessible library shelving
    • Library shelving to meet the accessibility standards
    • Flexible shelving that can adapt to changing program needs
  3. Accessible restroom facilities
    • Renovated restroom facilities will meet the AODA standards determined by the province

Costs for proposed changes have been reviewed, and grant applications have been submitted to cover a portion of the cost required for the updates. To proceed with the next step of the renovation project, a designer has been awarded the contract through a request for proposal format to create a re-design of the Fonthill Branch. Ward 99 Architects has begun the review process and will be working with the Town of Pelham, LPPL and the community to create a design that supports the operations and aspirations of the library now and into the future.

Community feedback will be part of the design process – follow the project for updates and opportunities to be part of writing the next chapter...

The Fonthill BrancImage of the library in fallh was originally opened in the 1980s and has continued to expand services to meet the growing needs of the community. Since the branch's opening, there have been limited upgrades to the building. There are three areas of improvement that have been highlighted that would enable the branch to continue to offer services for the residents of the area into the future.

There are three updates that the library would like to undertake to meet the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA standards) and ensure the library is accessible for staff and all community members. AODA standards must be met by 2025, as set out by the Province of Ontario.

The requested improvements include the following:

  1. Accessible public access to the lower level of the library
    • As library collections and services expanded, the lower level has been used only by limited staff and for storage
    • The lower level is currently only accessed by stairs and has no windows, variable heating or restroom
    • Space in the lower level could be repurposed to allow more program and meeting space
    • Additional dedicated staff areas on the lower level would expand public access spaces on the main level
  2. Accessible library shelving
    • Library shelving to meet the accessibility standards
    • Flexible shelving that can adapt to changing program needs
  3. Accessible restroom facilities
    • Renovated restroom facilities will meet the AODA standards determined by the province

Costs for proposed changes have been reviewed, and grant applications have been submitted to cover a portion of the cost required for the updates. To proceed with the next step of the renovation project, a designer has been awarded the contract through a request for proposal format to create a re-design of the Fonthill Branch. Ward 99 Architects has begun the review process and will be working with the Town of Pelham, LPPL and the community to create a design that supports the operations and aspirations of the library now and into the future.

Community feedback will be part of the design process – follow the project for updates and opportunities to be part of writing the next chapter...

  • Ontario Trillium Foundation Capital Grant Supports Lincoln Pelham Public Library in Fonthill

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    November 23, 2024 - Hon. Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, and Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, joined Marvin Junkin, Mayor of the Town of Pelham; Shellee Niznik, Councillor of the Town of Pelham and Board Member of the Lincoln Pelham Public Library, and Julie Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of the Lincoln Pelham Public Library, today, to announce $200,000 in funding received through a Capital Grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

    “Libraries are the hub of our communities in small town and rural Ontario,” said Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West.

    “This provincial grant through the Ontario Trillium Foundation will ensure every member of our community, including seniors and people with disabilities, will have easy access to the collection of library resources at the Fonthill Branch.”

    “Public libraries are vital community hubs that provide residents of all ages with access to information and resources that promote education, literacy and life-long learning,” said Hon. Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming.

    “That is why funding that my Ministry is providing through the Ontario Trillium Foundation is so important. Our government wants to ensure that these programs and spaces remain the heart of communities across our province.”

    “Our Fonthill Branch of the Lincoln Pelham Public Library is such a vibrant and treasured location for so many of the town’s residents,” said Councillor Niznik.

    “With grant support for accessible shelving, residents of all ages and abilities will be able to continue to benefit and grow their love of learning through the library for years to come.”

    “We are very grateful for the generous support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation,” said Julie Andrews, Chief Executive Officer of the Lincoln Pelham Public Library.

    “As plans are underway for a fulsome renovation, this new shelving is a wonderful first step toward ensuring the Fonthill Branch is accessible and user-friendly for all.”

    Capital grants improve access to programs and technology in community spaces, making it easier for Ontarians to participate in local programs. Funded projects help:

    • Maintain or increase access to a program or service,
    • Extend the life of a facility or space, or,
    • Improve a facility or space to make it more accessible.

    The Lincoln Pelham Public Library formed as a union library in April 2022. With four branches in Beamsville, Vineland, Fonthill and Fenwick, the library provides shared services – including collections, services and programs – to approximately 44,000 residents in the Town of Pelham and Town of Lincoln.

    The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Ontario government with a mission to build healthy and vibrant communities across the province. Last year, the Ontario Trillium Foundation invested more than $110 million into 1,044 community projects and multi-sector partnerships. Projects aim to enhance economic well-being, foster more active lifestyles, support child and youth development, provide spaces for people to come together and connect, and create a more sustainable environment.

    Read the full release at: https://samoosterhoffmpp.ca/ontario-trillium-foundation-capital-grant-supports-lincoln-pelham-public-library-in-fonthill/

  • Council Presentation September 18, 2024

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    Town of Pelham council received a presentation from the Lincoln Pelham Public Library (LPPL) regarding the Fonthill Branch and future renovations to expand access to public spaces and upgrade the facility to be AODA compliant. The presentation included conceptual designs for the proposed floorplan and the inclusion of an elevator to access the lower level of the facility. The LPPL completed a financial feasibility study in March of 2024 and has launched an ongoing capital campaign with Armstrong Strategy Group. LPPL continues to work alongside the Town of Pelham planning staff and ward99 architects on drawings for the renovation. Town of Pelham council will review the request and determine the impact of additional support for the LBBL – Fonthill Branch as part of the 2025 Town of Pelham budget process.

    Residents can learn more about the LPPL at www.lppl.ca


    View the presentation documents here.



Page last updated: 25 Nov 2024, 12:20 PM